Activation pin

ABSTRACT

An activating pin which comprises a valve part, the piston part comprises within it a channel, the cross-section of said channel is, at least one part of said piston part, consisting of sectors, wherein in each sector the distance between the center point of the channel cross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channel is larger than the corresponding distance measured along the line separating the sector from an adjacent sector, and said valve part is positioned movably with respect to said piston part between a first valve position and a second valve position for enabling the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction of gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part is in said second valve position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention concerns an activating pin for a valve connectorfor connecting to inflation valves, the connector comprising a housingto be connected to a pressure source, within the housing a coupling holehaving a central axis and an inner diameter approximately correspondingto the outer diameter of the inflation valve to which the valveconnector is to be connected, and a cylinder and means for conductinggaseous media between the cylinder and the pressure source, and whichactivating pin is arranged for engaging with a central spring-forceoperated core pin of the inflation valve, is arranged to be situatedwithin the housing in continuation of the coupling hole coaxially withthe central axis thereof and comprises a piston part with a piston,which piston is to be positioned in the cylinder movably between a firstpiston position and a second piston position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well-known from PCT/DK96/00055, now U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/837,505, herein incorporated by reference, that anactivating pin located within the coupling house can be designed as apiston equipped with a suitable seal and a piston rod that is slidablein the cylinder-shaped coupling house. The piston can be held in alongitudinal position against the cylinder valve without applyingphysical force so that the piston automatically slides, after the valveconnector is placed on the inflation valve, by means of compressed air.This compressed air comes from the pressure source such that the piston,in the proximal position to the valve, (1) opens up the inner valve, (2)opens the air passage to the valve and, (3) tightens less than 100%against the cylinder wall while in the distal position from the valve.

[0003]FIG. 14 in PCT/DK96/00055 shows a valve (360) which must be closedagainst the piston control. The disadvantage is that the above-mentionedtwo seals must be operational at a certain section of the sliding. Thisrequires very accurate calibration of the cylinder wall and the pistonmovement. Furthermore, the piston has a precisely defined opening zoneand can thus only adjust itself to a minor extent to the tolerances ofthe pump valve in question.

[0004]FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 14, and 15 in PCT/DK96/00055 show variousactivating pins equipped with a center blind drilling or a centerdrilling, side drillings and a V-shaped milling at the bottom which isperpendicular to the center axial drilling of the piston. The effect ofthis is that more force than necessary has to be applied when pumping,especially at high air velocities.

[0005]FIG. 9 in PCT/DK96/00055 shows an activating pin which has acenter drilling, side drillings and a V-shaped milling at the bottom.When the coupling is connected to e.g. a high pressure pump with abuilt-in check valve, the spring keeps the valve of the activating pinin a closed position after uncoupling of a Schrader valve. If a tirewith a Sclaverand valve has to be pumped immediately afterwards, one hasto apply a large force to slide the activating pin which opens the innervalve of the Sclaverand valve. Air will escape and consequently thepumping time will be substantially longer if the tire has already beenpartly pumped. This last-mentioned problem also exists in theembodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 15 in PCT/DK96/00055.

THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to produce a reliableactivating pin which is: (1) inexpensive, (2) has low aerodynamic dragmaking it comfortable to use for pumping purposes, and (3) provides theshortest possible pumping time.

[0007] These tasks are solved by the invention mentioned in claim 1where the activating pin further comprises a valve part, the piston partcomprises within it a channel, the cross-section of said channel is, atat least one part of said piston part, consisting of sectors, wherein ineach sector the distance between the center point of the channelcross-section and the outermost limiting surface of the channel islarger than the corresponding distance measured along the lineseparating the sector from an adjacent sector, and said valve part ispositioned movably with respect to said piston part between a firstvalve position and a second valve position for enabling the conductionof gaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve partis in said first valve position, and inhibiting the conduction ofgaseous and/or liquid media through said channel when said valve part isin said second valve position.

[0008] The channels are positioned in a mainly longitudinal direction inrelation to the center axis of the housing, and can be defined by atleast one cross section which approximately can be defined by at leastone curve. The curve is closed and can be defined by two unique modularparametrisation Fourier Series expansions, one for each co-ordinatefunction:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}} + {\sum\limits_{p - 1}^{\infty}{d_{p}{\sin ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}{x}}}}$$d_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\sin ({px})}{x}}}}$0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, x ∈ R p ≥ 0, p ∈ N

[0009] c_(p)=cos-weighted average values of f(x),

[0010] d_(p)=sin-weighted average values of f(x),

[0011] p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness

[0012] thereby resulting in a large flow cross section area. All kindsof closed curves can be described with this formula, e.g. a C-curve. Onecharacteristic of these curves is that when a line is drawn from themathematical pole which lies in the section plane it will intersect thecurve at least one time. A regular curve bounding a region which issymmetric with reference to at least one line which lies in the sectionplane through the mathematical pole can be defined by a single FourierSeries expansion:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}{x}}}}$0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, x ∈ R p ≥ 0, p ∈ N

[0013] c_(p)=weighted average values of f(x),

[0014] p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness.

[0015] When a line is drawn from the mathematical pole it will alwaysintersect the curve only one time. In order to minimize the aerodynamicfriction the channels are positioned mainly parallel to the centerlineof the activating pin.

[0016] When the curves are approximately defined by the followingformula, the cross section area of the channels is optimized by acertain given cross section: e.g. a section which combines approximatelylaminar flow and which can guide a central piston valve rod. It is thenalso possible to obtain a contact area for a Schrader valve core. Thismeans that a bridge is unnecessary. In the following description, curvesdefined by the formula have been given the name “flower-shaped”. Theformula is:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}}}}$where${f(x)} = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[{2m}]{{\sin^{2}\left( \frac{n}{2} \right)}x}}}$${c_{p} = {\frac{6}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}{x}{0 \leq x \leq {2\pi}}}}}},{x \in {{Rp} \geq 0}},{p \in N}$

[0017] c_(p)=weighted average values of f(x),

[0018] p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness

[0019] and where this cross-section in polar co-ordinates approximatelyis represented by the following formula:$r = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[m]{{\sin \left( {\frac{n}{2}\phi} \right)}}}}$where r₀ ≥ 0, a ≥ 0, m ≥ 0, m ∈ R, n ≥ 0, n ∈ R, 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 2π,

[0020] and where

[0021] r=the limit of the “petals” in the circular cross section of theactivating pin.

[0022] r₀=the radius of the circular cross section around the axis ofthe activating pin,

[0023] a=the scale factor for the length of the “petals”,

[0024] r_(max)=the parameter for definition of the “petal” width,

[0025] n=the parameter for definition of the number of “petals”,

[0026] φ=the angle which bounds the curve.

[0027] Pursuant to the invention, an activating pin ensures a large flowcross section which, by means of radial fins, also produces anapproximately laminar flow which contributes to a reduced pressure dropduring the flow. Similarly, the radial fins can control any centrallypositioned valve without blocking the air passage.

[0028] In a first embodiment of the invention, the piston rod isequipped with two blind drillings parallel to the center axis thatreaches the activating pin at both ends of the activating pin. Thepiston rod is also equipped with a concentric valve made of an elasticmaterial, e.g. a valve rubber used on a Dunlop-Woods valve and squeezedonto the piston rod between e.g. its upper and lower part covering theradial drilling proximal to the pressure source. The radial drilling hasan azimuth angle α larger than or equal to 90° to the center axis of thepiston, seen in the flow direction of the air at flow from the side ofthe pressure source. Furthermore, the distal radial drilling has anazimuth angle β larger than or equal to 90° to the distal centerdrilling of the piston, seen in the flow direction of the air at flowfrom the side of the pressure source. To ensure an interaction betweenthe piston and the inner valve in a Schrader valve, the radius r₀ in thedistal blind drilling is smaller than the radius r₀ of the proximal partof the center drilling. Due to evident arrangements in dimensioning theby-pass, the piston control is proximally equipped with longitudinal airducts and/or having a bigger diameter. Moreover, the side of the pistonis chamfered. If connected to e.g. a pump with a built-in check-valve,the connector needs to have an airing valve or a similar solution forproviding the shortest pumping time. This results in a reliableactivating pin because the pin valve works independently of the pistoncontrol fit and tolerances of the pump valves in question. It alsoresults in a pin with low aerodynamic drag, which is comfortable forpumping purposes and which is inexpensive to produce.

[0029] A second embodiment is an improvement of the first embodimentwhere the coupling is connected to e.g. a high-pressure pump with abuilt-in non-return valve. A spring force being produced by means of thecombination of compressed air and the valve lever passing through thepiston in a eccentric position ensures the lowest possible pumping time.The effect of the eccentric valve lever is that the air pressure in thespace between the non-return valve of the pump and the activating pinbecomes equal to the pressure of the surroundings as the valve leveropens the above-mentioned space if a Schrader valve is disconnected. Itis thus always possible to couple a Sclaverand valve without airescaping from the tire. Alternatively, an airing valve which isconstantly shut could be established in the above-mentioned space whenthe connector is coupled to the valves or when the activating pintouches the core of the Schrader valve. This can take place if, forexample, the airing is shaped as a narrow channel at the pressurizedside of the activating pin relative to the distal end of it. In aspecial embodiment, it is proposed that the eccentric valve lever isintegrated in the piston valve which makes the activating pininexpensive to produce. The activating pin works independently of thepiston control fit.

[0030] A third embodiment comprises a similar combination to the onedescribed in the second embodiment, except here the activating pin has acenter drilling. It is appropriate if the center drilling at each endexpands gradually by a circular cross section and has an angle γ or δ,respectively, with the center axis of the activating pin and each angleis larger than 0° and smaller than 20° (usually in the interval between6° and 12°). In an appropriate embodiment, the top of the piston of theactivating pin forms a valve seat for the valve (304). This results in alarge opening area created by a small movement of the eccentric valvelever. In a special embodiment it is suggested that the eccentric valvepin is loose in the piston and a stop device is used to stop itsmovement. The stop device is an integrated part of the piston valve andis resilient in relation to it. The piston valve rod has e.g. a “flower-shaped” cross section and the piston rod e.g. a circular cross section,resulting in channels (321). The activating pin is very reliable andinexpensive to produce. The air flow in the valve connector isapproximately laminar which ensures low aerodynamic drag so that it iscomfortable when pumping even with (low pressure) pumps without anintegrated non-return valve. The improvement over the activating pinshown in FIG. 9 in PCT/DK96/00055 is considerable regarding reduction inpumping force and pumping time and is as good as e.g. the valveconnector of figures 5A, 5B, 6 and 7.

[0031] A fourth embodiment is an alternative to the third embodiment. Asthe piston valve is rotating at an angle ⊖ in relation to the top of thepiston, if activated by the eccentric valve pin, the rotation is limitedwith a stop device. The cross section of the piston rod can have twomain forms, according the specific formula each being “flower-shaped”with different parameters, both resulting in an approximately laminarflow. In a special embodiment, the radius r₀ is smaller than the radiusof the core of a Schrader valve while the air is flowing through thedistals of the “flower shaped” cross section. The eccentric valve leveris similar to the loose type of FIG. 5D, with the difference being thatthe top is rounded off. The characteristics of this model are almost inaccordance with those of the third embodiment.

[0032] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the activating pin isdesigned as a piston with a piston rod that is slidable in thecylinder-shaped coupling house. The activating pin has a center drillingwith an axially slidable valve in the center drilling that is keptclosed by a spring where the center drilling of the activating pin hase.g. a “flower-shaped” cross section (D-D, FIG. 8B) and the piston valverod has a circular one resulting in a reliable control and efficient airpassage. The center drilling at each end expands gradually by a circularcross section. The walls of the gradual expansions form an angle ρ or φ,respectively, between 0° and 20° (usually in the interval between 6° and12°). The wall of the gradual expansion by the piston part of the centerdrilling forms a valve seat for the seal face of the valve. The sealface of the valve is pressed into the correct position by a spring, e.g.an elastic band. In a special embodiment, the sealing surface is a smallarea with an angle Ψ, in relation to the center axis, of approximately90°-150° (incl.) as seen in the flow direction of the air at flow fromthe side of the pressure source. This enables improved sealing. In aspecial embodiment, the valve is equipped with at least one fin or asimilar device, which fits on the top of the edge of a Dunlop-Woodsinner valve. It also fits either the top of the core of a Schradervalve, or the bridge of a Schrader valve without fitting the top of itscore, as the activating pin does. In the last mentioned embodiment, thefin is equipped with a device perpendicular to the fin. Furthermore, thecenter drilling in the last-mentioned embodiment can also be designed ina way that provides a favorable flow in the area around the fin of thepiston part. If e.g. combined with a pump with a built-in check-valve,the space between the connector and the check-valve need to have anairing or a similar solution. The activating pin is reliable, as itworks independent of the piston rod fit and the tolerances of the pumpvalves. It is inexpensive to produce and it gives a low pump force,specifically with pumps without a check-valve. It works independent ofpiston control fit or pump valve tolerances.

[0033] In a sixth embodiment of the invention, the activating pin has acenter axial drilling with a valve that is axially slidable in thedrilling and is kept closed by means of a spring. The valve and thespring are made of one piece of deformable material. The axiallyslidable valve and the spring are partly formed by a conic section, withan apex angle (2ε), and partly formed by an approximately cylindricalsection with a mainly circular cross section. The spring is attached tothe piston part of the activating pin by means of a securing device.This is expedient if the wall of the center drilling in the activatingpin is gradually expanded and has an angle η or υ, respectively, inrelation to the center axis of the activating pin. Each angle is largerthan 0° and smaller than 20° (usually in the interval between 6° and12°). The wall of the gradual expansion of the center drilling thusforms a valve seat for the seal face of the valve. The valve is pulledto the tightening position by the spring. In a special embodiment of theinvention, the piston part is equipped with at least one fin or asimilar device which fits on top of the core of a Schrader valve.

[0034] In another embodiment of the activating pin, the slidable valvehas two cones resting upon each other. This turns the air flow aroundthe valve and in the grooves into an approximately laminar flow. Thepiston valve rod and the piston rod define e.g. a cylindrical channel,while the rest of the piston rod has a “flower-shaped” cross section.The embodiment of the flow ensures low aerodynamic drag so that it iscomfortable when pumping even with low pressure pumps without anintegrated non-return valve. In addition, the invention is inexpensive.It works independently of piston control fit and pump valve tolerances.In a special embodiment, the sealing surface of the cones is a smallarea with an angle, in relation to the center axis of approximately90°-150° (incl.) with the center axis as seen in the flow direction ofthe air at flow from the side of the pressure source. This enablesimproved sealing. In the case of combining this embodiment with pumpswith an built-in check-valve, the space between the connector and thecheck-valve needs to be equipped with airing or the like. Instead ofair, (mixes of) gasses and/or liquids of any kind can activate and flowthrough and around the embodiments of the activating pin. The inventioncan be used in all types of valve connectors, where at least a Schradervalve or any valve with a spring operated core can be coupled,irrespective of the method of coupling or the amount of coupling holesin the connector. Further, the invention can be coupled to any pressuresource irrespective of whether or not there is a securing means in thevalve connector. Any possible combination of the embodiments shown inthe specification fall into the scope of the present invention. Thevarious embodiments described above are provided by way of illustrationand should not be constructed to limit the invention. Those skilled inthe art will readily recognize various modifications and changes whichmay be made to the present invention without strictly following theexemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein,and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In the following, the invention is described in detail by meansof the preferred embodiments of which tile main construction elementsare shown on tile drawings. The following is shown on the drawing:

[0036]FIG. 1A shows an illustration of a channel's curve which isdefined by two unique modular parametrisation Fourier Series expansions.

[0037]FIG. 1B shows an illustration of the mathematical model of the“flower-shaped” cross section.

[0038]FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the activating pin shown in adistal position relative to the pressure source for a valve connectorthat can be squeezed onto valves.

[0039]FIG. 2A shows an enlargement of the piston valve according to FIG.2. The broken line drawing shows the valve when it is open.

[0040]FIG. 2B shows the embodiment of FIG. 2 where the side drilling ispositioned distally in the piston rod together with a center blinddrilling.

[0041]FIG. 3A shows an enlargement of a further development of thesecond embodiment of the activating pin where the valve in theactivating pin is activated by the eccentric valve lever.

[0042]FIG. 3B shows the activating pin according to FIG. 3A where thevalve in the activating pin is kept closed by air pressure.

[0043]FIG. 3C shows section A-A of FIG. 3A.

[0044]FIG. 3D shows the top of the piston and valve of the activatingpin according to FIG. 3A (view X).

[0045]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the activating pin in a distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that canbe squeezed onto valves.

[0046]FIG. 5A shows an enlargement of the activating pin according toFIG. 4. The valve of the activating pin is activated by the eccentricvalve lever.

[0047] FIG 5B shows the activating pin according to FIG. 5A where thevalve is shut by gas and/or liquidmix pressure.

[0048]FIG. 5C shows section B-B of FIG. 5A (the piston is not shown).

[0049]FIG. 5D shows an eccentric a valve pin that is freely movable inthe piston of the activating pin.

[0050]FIG. 6A shows the fourth embodiment of an activating pin similarto FIG. 5, with a rotatable piston valve which is activated by theeccentric valve pin.

[0051]FIG. 6B shows the activating pin according FIG. 6A, where thepiston valve is closed by gas and/or liquidmix pressure.

[0052]FIG. 6C shows view Z of FIG. 6A.

[0053]FIG. 6D shows cross section C-C of FIG. 6B.

[0054]FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention in a distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that canbe squeezed onto valves.

[0055]FIG. 8A shows an enlargement of the invention according to FIG. 7where the valve in the activating pin is activated.

[0056]FIG. 8B shows section D-D of figure SA.

[0057]FIG. 8C shows an enlargement of the invention according to FIG. 7where the valve in the activating pin is kept closed by the spring.

[0058]FIG. 8D shows the embodiment according to FIG. 8C, with adifferent sealing surface.

[0059]FIG. 9 shows the sixth embodiment of the invention in a distalposition relative to the pressure source for a valve connector that canbe squeezed onto valves.

[0060]FIG. 10A shows an enlargement of the embodiment of FIG. 9 wherethe valve in the activating pin is in a closed position or activatedposition (broken lines).

[0061]FIG. 10B shows the top of the activating pin according to FIG. 10Awith spring suspension and intake (view Y).

[0062]FIG. 10C shows a section after the line E-E in FIG. 10A.

[0063]FIG. 10D shows a section after the line F-F in FIG. 10A.

[0064]FIG. 11A shows the embodiment according to FIG. 11A, with adifferent sealing surface.

[0065]FIG. 11B shows an enlargement of the sealing surface of theembodiment of FIG. 11A.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066]FIG. 1A shows a cross section of e.g. a piston rod 801 with achannel 802. Its curve is defined by two unique modular parametrisationFourier Series expansion.

[0067]FIG. 1B shows a mathematical model of the “flower-shaped” crosssection that provides a suitable approximation. The general formula forthis cross section is found above. In the model shown is:

r ₀≈0.4 r_(max) , m=4 and n=6.

[0068] The change from a center drilling 303,410,533,653 to the circlesection of expansions 312,313,411,412,538,539,658 can mathematically beexpressed by

r ₀ →r _(max)

[0069] under retention of the other parameters.

[0070]FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment with the piston 121 in itsdistal position relative to the pressure source for a valve connectorthat is squeezed onto valves. The piston 121 has a piston rod 122 and isequipped with a center blind drilling 123 which branches into at leastone radial drilling 124. Both blind drillings 123,128 have e.g. a“flower-shaped” cross section, of which the radius r₀ of blind drilling123 is larger than radius r₀ of blind drilling 128. The proximal part ofdrilling 1223 and the distal part of drilling 128 can be provided withgradual expansions (not shown), seen from the pressure source. Alsoshown is the piston ring 131.

[0071]FIG. 2A shows the radial drilling 124 which has an azimuth angle αto the center axis 125 of the piston 121. The angle u is shown largerthan 90°. The radial drilling 124 leads to the underside of the valve126. The valve 126 is shown in its open position by means of a brokenline 126 a. The valve 126 is fastened by being squeezed between e.g. theupper and lower part (not shown) of the piston rod.

[0072]FIG. 2B shows the radial drilling 127 which is open at an angle βto the blind drilling 128. The angle β is shown larger than 90°. Theradial drilling 127 leads to e.g. a center blind drilling 128 at adistal position on the piston rod 122.

[0073]FIG. 3A shows a further development of the activating pin shown inFIG. 2. The axially movable piston valve 225 is shown in an activatedposition by operation of the eccentric valve lever 226 which isintegrated in the piston valve 225. The piston valve rod 227 has asealing surface 228 which is positioned at the lid. This ensures thatthe piston valve 225 always opens up to make air flow possible, e.g.from the space between the non-return valve of a pump and the activatingpin to the surroundings, when a Schrader valve is uncoupled. Tile pistonrod 223 has a sealing 229 with a scaling surface 230. The piston valve225 has a sealing 238 with sealing surface 2939 and the top of thepiston 222 has a sealing surface 240. The radius r₀ of drilling 248 issmaller than radius r₀ of drilling 224. The air flows through the centerdrilling 224, which has a “flower-shaped” section, and around the pistonrod 227 which has a circular cross section resulting in channels 234(section A-A) which form the center drilling 224. A stop device 231prevents the piston valve from being pulled out of the activating pin asit strokes against the piston rod 223. A radial drilling 247 ispositioned distally. The center axis 237 of the activating pin is alsoshown. The piston valve can have a gradual expansion (not shown)proximal to the pressure source.

[0074]FIG. 3B shows the activating pin according to FIG. 3A where thepiston valve 225 is kept shut by air pressure. The valve function isfulfilled by the sealing 236 in full accordance with FIG. 2. The stopdevice 231 has a stop surface 232 and the piston rod 223 has a stopsurface 233.

[0075]FIG. 3C shows section A-A of the piston valve 223 which has a“flower-shaped” section, and the piston valve rod 227 which has acircular cross section resulting in air channel 234 in order to enable asuitable flow through the section with reliable guidance of the pistonvalve rod 227.

[0076]FIG. 3D shows view X of the top of the activating pin where thepiston valve rod 227 is hung in the shackle 235. The figure also showsthe eccentric valve pin 226 which is integrated into the piston valve225 and which is a section of a cylinder surface. In an appropriateembodiment not shown the valve pin is made by means of at least two legsthat can be arranged rotationally symmetric around the center axis 237of the activating pin. The embodiments described in FIG. 3D are, ofcourse, applicable in connection with the other embodiments. Channel 242is located between the shackle 235, the piston valve 225.

[0077]FIG. 4 shows the third embodiment of the activating pin with thepiston 301 in its distal position relative to the pressure source in acoupling house of a valve connector that can be squeezed onto tirevalves. The piston 301 has a piston rod 302 and a center drilling 303.The activating pin has a piston valve 304 and an eccentric valve pin305. Also shown are the center axis 337 and piston ring 338.

[0078]FIG. 5A shows an enlargement of the activating pin of FIG. 4. Theaxially movable piston valve 304 is in activated position by theeccentric valve lever 305 and has a sealing 306 with a sealing surface307. The piston 301 has a sealing surface 309. The air flows through theproximally gradual expansion 310 of the center drilling 303 which e.ghas a “flower-shaped” section to the distally gradual expansion 311. Thewall 312,313 forms an angle γ or δ, respectively, with the center axis337 of the center drilling 303. These angles are each larger than 0° andsmaller than 20° and are usually in the interval between 6° and 12°.Both expansions 310,311 have an approximately circular section.Together, the “flower-shaped” cross-section of the piston valve rod 322defines air channels 321 which e.g. four can be used in order to get anapproximately laminar air flow. The stop 315 prevents the piston valve304 from being pulled out of the activating pin in cases where thecoupling is connected to a piston pump without a non-return valve. Thestop 315 is resiliently mounted by means of the bar 316 in the bottom317 of the piston valve rod 322. The cross section of this channelchanges constantly over its length. The activating pin has distally atleast one fin or a shackle 318 which is optimally shaped in terms of airflow. Channel 324 is defined by partly the inside and outside (seesection B-B) of the piston rod 302, and partly by bar 316. Channel 325is defined by piston rod 304, sealing 306 and the eccentric valve pin305.

[0079]FIG. 5B shows the activating pin according to FIG. 5A where thepiston valve 304 is kept shut by air pressure. The stop device 315 has astop surface 319 and the stop surface 320 is a part of the piston rod302.

[0080]FIG. 5C shows a section B-B with the air channel 311 which has asuitable flow through the section area. Moreover, the stop device 315and the fin 318 are shown.

[0081]FIG. 5D shows the activating pin in an activated position with aneccentric valve pin 350 which is freely movable in the piston 301 of theactivating pin and on which the piston valve 353 presses at the top 351.The stop device 352 ensures that the valve pin does not fall through thepiston 301. In an appropriate embodiment not shown, the valve pin has atleast two legs which can be positioned rotationally and symmetricallyaround the center axis 337 of the activating pin. The valve pin can alsobe designed as the valve pin 226 shown in FIG. 3A. Embodiments describedin FIG. 5D are, of course, also applicable in connection with the otherembodiments.

[0082]FIG. 6A shows a fourth embodiment of the activating pin, which issimilar to the third embodiment, in a position where the piston valve401 is opened by the activated eccentric valve pin 402. The piston valve401 rotates over an angle ⊖ from the center axis 403 of the activatingpin. The piston valve 401 rotates around an axis 404 which isperpendicular to the center axis 403. The rotation of the piston valve401 is limited by the stop device 405. The piston valve 401 has asealing 414 with a sealing surface 406, while the piston 407 has asealing surface 408. The rest of the activating pin is similar to FIG.5A, except for the piston rod 420 and the eccentric valve pin 402 whichhas a rounded top 421 as shown in FIG. 5D. The channel 422 is defined bythe piston valve 401, the sealing 414, the piston 407 and the eccentricvalve pin 402. The channel 423 is defined by the piston 407 and thepiston valve 401.

[0083]FIG. 6B shows the activating pin similar to FIG. 6A with thepiston valve 401 shut. The piston rod 409 has different parameters forthe “flower-shaped” cross section of the center drilling 418. Also hereare two gradual expansions 410,419 and walls 411,412, respectively, withcharacteristics according to those of FIG. 5A: angles μ and κ inrelation to the center axis 403. The contact area 413 (see also FIG. 6B)of the activating pin with a Schrader valve has a cone shape. No bridgeis necessary, as r₀ is smaller than the diameter of the core of aSchrader valve.

[0084]FIG. 6C shows view Z of FIG. 6A with fin 415 and opening 416.

[0085]FIG. 6D shows cross section C-C of FIG. 6B with the“flower-shaped” cross section of the piston rod 409 defining air channel417. Also shown is a contact area 413 for engaging with the core of aSchrader valve.

[0086]FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment with the piston 531 in its distalposition relative to the pressure source in the coupling house of avalve connector that can be squeezed onto valves. The piston 531 has apiston rod 532 and is equipped with a center drilling 533.

[0087]FIG. 8A shows the activating pin in activated position where anaxially slidable valve 534 has a seal face 535. The air flows through aproximal (to the pressure source) gradual expansion 536 of the centerdrilling 533 and through the latter to the distal gradual expansion 537.The wall 538,539 forms an angle ρ or φ, respectively, to the wall 540 ofthe center drilling 533. These are larger than 0° and smaller than 20°(usually in the interval between 6° and 12°). Both expansions 536,537have an approximately circular cross section distally from theconnection to the center drilling 533. Also shown are the center axis543 and the piston valve rod 544.

[0088]FIG. 8B shows the section D-D from FIG. 8A where the channel 533is defined by a “flower-shaped” cross section of the piston rod 532 anda circular cross section of the valve rod 544. Furthermore, a fin 542 isshown.

[0089]FIG. 8C shows the activating pin with a closed valve. The spring541 secured in the piston 53 1 is an elastic band which presses theaxially slidable valve 534 down so that the seal face 535 of the valveis pressed against the wall 538 of the expansion 536. The seal face 535can have a similar sealing (not showed) with the wall 538 as showed inFIG. 11A, 11B.

[0090]FIG. 8D shows an improved sealing surface arrangement sealing 550with surface 551 and piston rod 553 with sealing surface 552. Angle ψ isbetween 90°-150° (incl.). The channel 546 is defined by the sealingsurfaces 551 and 552, when these are separated from each other.

[0091]FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment with the piston 651 in its distalposition relative to the pressure source in a coupling house of a valveconnector that can be squeezed onto valves. The piston 651 has a pistonrod 652 and is equipped with a center drilling 653.

[0092]FIG. 10A shows the activating pin in its closed position and itsactivated position (broken lines) where the axially slidable valve 654has a seal face 655. The air flows through the expansion 656 of thecenter drilling 653 and through the latter to the distal gradualexpansion 657 and the distal part of the piston rod with a“flower-shaped” cross section. The wall 658,659 forms an angle η or υ,respectively, to the wall 660 of the center drilling 653. These anglesare each larger than 0° and smaller than 20° (usually in the intervalbetween 6° and 12°). Both expansions 656,657 have an approximatelycircular cross section. The valve 654 has a spring part 661 secured in abrace 662. Distally, the activating pin has at least one fin or brace663. Furthermore, a cone 664 is

[0093] FIG 10B shows the top (view γ) of the activating pin shown inFIG. 10A with the three expansions 656 and braces 662. The braces serveas a securing device for the valve spring and the expansions 656 ensurea suitable flow cross section

[0094]FIG. 10C shows the section E-E in FIG. 10A resulting in acylindrical air channel 653. A suitable flow cross section is alsoensured here.

[0095]FIG. 10D shows the section F-F in FIG. 10A. Internally, thissection of the piston rod 652 is “flower-shaped” to ensure a suitableflow cross section. Furthermore, a fin designed as a brace 663 is shown.Also shown is the channel 666 between the brace 663 and the piston rod652.

[0096]FIG. 11A shows an activating pin similar to the one of FIG. 10,with the sealing surface 704 of the cone 702 and the correspondingsurface 703 for the piston rod 701 having an angle ε, equal to or largerthan 90° and less than approximately 150° with the center axis 665 seenin the direction of the flow of the air at no from the pressure source.Channel 705 is defined by the sealing surface 703 and 704, when theseare separated from each other.

1. Activation pin for a valve connector, which activation pin isdesigned as a piston with a piston ring and a piston rod, movablypositioned in the coupling house where the activation pin has a centraldrilling and a piston valve kept closed by a spring force which ischaracterized by the fact that one or more channels(123,124,127,128,224,234,242,244,247,303,310,311,321,324,325,410,416,417,418,419,422,423,533,536,537,546,653,656,657,666,705)are defined by the piston means(121,131,222,301,306,307,309,338,406,407,408,414,531,541, 651,662)and/or the piston rod means (122,126,126a,223,302,318,409,420,532,553,652,663, 701) and/or the piston valvemeans (225,238,304,306,401,414,534,535,550,654,664,702)and/or the pistonvalve rod means (227,231,315,316,317,322,542,544,661) in the assembledactivation pin which channels(123,124,127,128,224,234,242,244,247,303,310,311,321,324,325,410,416,417,418,419,422,423,533,536,537,546,653,656,657,666,705) are positionedin a mainly longitudinal direction in relation to the center axis(125,237,337,403,543,665) of the activation pin, and which can bedefined by at least one cross section which approximately can be definedby at least one curve, which is closed and which can be defined by twounique modular parametrisation Fourier Series expansions, one for eachco-ordinate function:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 0}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}} + {\sum\limits_{p = 0}^{\infty}{d_{p}{\sin ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}{x}}}}$$d_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\sin ({px})}{x}}}}$0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, x ∈ ℝ p ≥ 0, p ∈ ℕ

c_(p)=cos-weighted average values off(x), d_(p)=sin-weighted averagevalues off(x), p=representing the order of trigonometrical fineness 2.Activation pin according to claim I characterized by the fact that thechannels(123,124,127,128,224,234,242,244,247,303,310,311,321,324,325,410,416,417,418,419,422,423,533,536,537,546,653,656,657,666,705) can be defined by at least onecross section which approximately can be defined by at least one regularcurve bounding a region which is symmetric with reference to at leastone line which lie in the section plane through the mathematical poleand can be defined by a single Fourier Series expansion:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 0}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos ({px})}}}}$where$c_{p} = {\frac{2}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\pi}{{f(x)}{\cos ({px})}{x}}}}$0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, x ∈ ℝ p ≥ 0, p ∈ ℕ

C_(p)=weighted average values off(x), p=representing the order oftrigonometrical fineness
 3. Activation pin according to any otherpreceeding claims characterized by the fact that the channels(123,124,127,128,224,234,242,244,247,303,310,311,321,324,325,410,416,417,418,419,422,423,533,536,537,546,653,656,657,666,705) can be defined byat least one cross section which approximately can be defined by atleast one curve which approximately can be defined by the formula:${f(x)} = {\frac{c_{0}}{2} + {\sum\limits_{p = 0}^{\infty}{c_{p}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}}}}$where${f(x)} = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[{2m}]{{\sin^{2}\left( \frac{n}{2} \right)}x}}}$$c_{p} = {\frac{6}{\pi}{\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{3}}{{f(x)}{\cos \left( {3{px}} \right)}{x}}}}$0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, x ∈ ℝ p ≥ 0, p ∈ ℕ

c_(p)=weighted average values off(x), p=representing the order oftrigonometrical fineness and in polar co-ordinates approximately can bedefined by the following formula:$r = {r_{0} + {a \cdot \sqrt[m]{{\sin \left( {\frac{n}{2}\phi} \right)}}}}$

where r₀≧0,a≧0,m≧0, m ε R,n≧0, n ε R,0≦φ≦2π, and where r=the limit ofthe “petals” in the circular cross section of the activation pin, r₀=theradius of the circular cross section around the axis of the activationpin, a=the scale factor for the length of the “petals”, r_(max)=r₀+am=the parameter for definition ot the “petal” width n=the parameter fordefinition of the number of “petals” φ=the angle bounding the curve 4.Activation pin according to any other preceeding claims characterized bythe fact that the channels (123,128,224,234,303,321,417,418,533,653,657)are positioned approximately parallel with the centerline(125,237,337,403,543,665) of the activation pin.
 5. Activation pinaccording to any other preceeding claims characterized by the fact thatthe center drilling (123,128) is designed as at least one blind drilling(123) proximal the pressure source, with a suitable radial drilling(124), that the proximal radial drilling (124) proximal to the pressuresource has a azimuth angle (α) larger than or equal to 90° to the centeraxis (125) of the piston (121) seen in the flow direction of the gaseousand/or liquid medium or media, respectively at flow from the pressuresource, and that the piston rod (122) is equipped with a concentricvalve (126) of elastic material which is squeezed onto the piston rod(122) covering the side drilling (124).
 6. Activation pin according toclaim 5 characterized by the fact that the distal axial blind drilling(128) is positioned at the end of the piston rod (122) parallel with thecenter axis (125) while its distal radial drilling (127) has an azimuthangle (β) larger than or equal to 90° to the center blind drilling (128)of the piston rod (122) seen in the flow direction of the gaseous and/orliquid medium or media, respectively at flow from the pressure source.7. Activation pin according to claim 6 characterized by the fact thatthe radius r₀ of the distal center blind drilling (128) is smaller thanr₀ of the proximal part of the center drilling (123).
 8. Activation pinaccording to any other preceeding claims characterized by the fact thatthe spring force is procured by means of the combination of pressurizedgaseous and/or liquid medium or media, respectively and the valve lever(226,305,402), which passes through the piston (222,301,407)eccentrically.
 9. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized bythe fact that the piston valve (225,304) is axially movable. 10.Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the fact that thepiston valve (225,304) is equipped with a stop device (231,315). 11.Activation pin according to any other preceeding claims characterized bythe fact that the piston rod (223) is equipped with at least one radialdrilling (244,247) and with a concentric valve (236) of elastic materialwhich is squeezed onto the piston rod (223) and which is covering theradial drilling (244).
 12. Activation pin according to claim 11characterized by the fact that the radial drilling (244) has an azimuthangle (α) larger than or equal to 90° with the center axis (237) of thepiston (223) seen in the flow direction of the gaseous and/or liquidmedium or media, respectively at flow from the pressure source. 13.Activation pin according to any other preceeding claims where the radialdrilling (247) is placed distally on the piston rod (223) which also hasa central drilling (248) characterized by the fact that the radialdrilling (247) has an azimuth angle δwhich is larger than or equal to90° with the center axis (237) of the piston rod (223) center drilling(248) and where radial drilling (247) ends up in the center drilling(248).
 14. Activation pin according to claim 9 characterized by the factthat the piston valve rod (227) is hung up by means of a securing device(235).
 15. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the factthat the central drilling (303,418) at each end is gradually expandingto an approximately circular cross section (310,311,410,419). 16.Activation pin according to claim 15 characterized by the fact that theexpanding wall (312,313,411,412) has an angle (γ,μ) or (δ,κ),respectively, in relation to the central axis (337,403) of theactivation pin which angles each are larger than 0° and smaller than20°.
 17. Activation pin according to claim 16 characterized by the factthat the angle.(γ, μ) or (δ,κ), respectively, is in the interval between6° and 12°.
 18. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by thefact that the top (240,309,408) of the piston (222,301,407) of theactivation pin at the central drilling (224,303) procures a valve seatfor the sealing means (238,306,414) of the piston valve (225,304,401).19. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the fact thatthe bottom (228) of the piston valve rod (227) procures a valve seat forthe sealing means (229) in the bottom of the central drilling (224). 20.Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the fact that thevalve lever (350) is axially freely movable where the mobility islimited by the piston valve (353) and by the piston (301) through thestop device (352).
 21. Activation pin according to any other preceedingclaims characterized by the fact that the valve lever (226,305) isequipped with at least two legs.
 22. Activation pin according to claim21 characterized by the fact that the legs of the valve lever (226,305)are organized rotationally symmetric around the central axis (237,337).23. Activation pin according to claim 22 characterized by the fact thatthe valve lever (226) is an integrated part of the piston valve (225)being a part of a cylinder surface.
 24. Activation pin according toclaim 8 characterized by the fact that the piston rod (302,420) isequipped with at least one fin (318).
 25. Activation pin according toclaim 8 characterized by the fact that the piston valve (401) can rotatearound an axis (404) which is perpendicular to the center axis (403).26. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the fact thatthe rotation of the piston valve (401) is limited by a stop device(405).
 27. Activation pin according to claim 8 characterized by the factthat the valve lever (402) is axially freely movable where the mobilityis limited by the piston valve (401) by through the top surface 351 andthe piston (407) through the stop device (352).
 28. Activation pinaccording to claim 25 characterized by the fact that the radius r₀ ofthe central drilling (418) is smaller than the diameter of the core of aSchrader-valve contact area (413).
 29. Activation pin according to anyother preceeding claims characterized by the fact that the centerdrilling (533) goes through the entire piston rod (532).
 30. Activationpin pursuant to any other preceeding claims characterized by the factthat the movement of the piston valve rod (544,553) is controlled by thepiston and that the valve spring device (541) consists of an elasticband.
 31. Activation pin according to claim 30 characterized by the factthat the wall (538,539) of the center drilling at each end of the pistonrod (532,553) is gradually expanding to an approximately circular crosssection at either end.
 32. Activation pin according to claim 31characterized by the fact that the wall (538,539) of the gradualexpansion (536,537) forms an angle ρ or Φ, respectively, with the centeraxis (543) which is larger than 0° and smaller than 20°.
 33. Activationpin according to claim 32 characterized by the fact that the angle ρ orφ, respectively, is in the interval between 6° and 12°.
 34. Activationpin according to claim 31 characterized by the fact that the wall (538)of the gradual expansion (536) by the piston part of the center drilling(533) forms a valve seat for the seal face (535) of the piston valve(534).
 35. Activation pin according to claim 29 characterized by thefact that the piston valve (534) is equipped with at least one fin(542).
 36. Activation pin according to claim 34 characterized by thefact that the sealing surface (551) of the sealing (550) forms an angleΨ equal or larger than 90° and equal or less than 150° in relation tothe center axis (543) of the activation pin seen in the flow directionof the air at flow from the side of the pressure source.
 37. Activationpin according to claim 29 characterized by the fact that the pistonvalve (654) and the spring (661) are made in one piece of a deformablematerial with a suitable modulus of elasticity.
 38. Activation pinaccording to claim 37 characterized by the fact that the slidable valve(654) and the spring (661) consist partly of a conic section with anapex angle (2ε) and partly of an approximate cylindrical section with amainly circular cross section and that the spring (661) is secured inthe piston part (651) of the activation pin by means of a securingdevice (662).
 39. Activation pin according to claim 38 characterized bythe fact that the wall (658,659) of the center drilling (653) in theactivation pin is gradually expanding to an angle η or υ, respectively,to the center axis (665) of the activation pin.
 40. Activation pinaccording to claim 39 characterized by the fact that the angle η or υ,respectively, to the center axis (665) of the activation pin are eachlarger than 0° and smaller than 20°.
 41. Activation pin according toclaim 40 characterized by the fact that the angle η or υ, respectively,is in the interval between 6° and 12°.
 42. Activation pin according toclaim 39 characterized by the fact that the wall (659) of the gradualexpansion (657) of the center drilling (653) forms a valve seat for theseal face (655) of the valve (654).
 43. Activation pin according toclaim 37 characterized by the fact that the conic section of theslidable valve (654) consists of two cone parts resting upon each other.44. Activation pin according to claim 35 characterized by the fact thatthe fin (542) is equipped with a device perpendicular to the fin. 45.Activation pin pursuant to claim 39 characterized by the fact that thesealing surface (704) of cone (702) forms an angle ξ equal or largerthan 90° and less than approximately 150° in relation to the center axis(665) of the activation pin seen in the flow direction of the gaseousand/or liquid medium or media, respectively at flow from the pressuresource.
 46. Activation pin pursuant to claim 8 characterized by the factthat the piston valve rod (322) is provided with at least one channel(321).